Pippen released without charges following an assault investigation

By Matt Moore | NBA writer

June 24, 2013 4:37 PM ET

Basketball Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen made an appearance at a Los Angeles County sheriff's office Monday to meet with authorities investigating an alleged altercation outside of a Malibu, Calif., restaurant on Sunday night, according to an Associated Press report.

Pippen spoke with sheriff's officials at a substation for about an hour. The Associated Press reported that Pippen was not charged and was released, pending further investigation.

Sheriff's department spokesman Steve Whitmore said the former Chicago Bulls star came in voluntarily.

Authorities say Pippen was involved in a fight in the parking lot of a Malibu sushi eatery around 6:30 p.m. PT that landed one man in the hospital with a head injury.

LA County sheriff's Capt. Pat Devoren told USA Today that a man approached Pippen and his family while they were dining at Nobu, asking for an autograph, then later taking photos. After the Pippens exited the restaurant, the man appeared to ask again for an autograph, according to Devoren. Pippen became upset and allegedly punched the man in the face, Devoren said.

Pippen, 47, played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning six championships as a member of the Bulls alongside Michael Jordan. Pippen was named one of the 50 greatest players by the NBA.

Pippen was hired in October 2012 to serve as an advisor to Bulls president and COO Michael Reinsdorf.